Algae

[SaltwaterTeen]

I have some sort of algae, similar to diatoms, but it doesnt cover the sand or live rock. It grows only on non living things like powerheads, the glass, intakes, etc... I scrape it off and it comes back pretty quick. How do I get rid of it? Its a rusty color btw. I havent got an ro/di unit but I will get one soon. Could this solve my problem? I just dont want to waste money on a ro/di and have it not get rid of my algae problem.

 

[Entacmaea]

An RO/DI unit may be your most important piece of equipment, next to a skimmer, to maintain long-term water quality and longevity of your organisms. Hard to say or guarantee, but I would guess an RO-DI unit would help you greatly. Definitly NOT a waste of money! If Kent Marine has a good RO/DI unit, check it out, with a special silica removing membrane. The ideal 4-stage unit will run you about $225-$250.

Hope that helps!

Peter

 

[Anonymous]

basically the algae is consuming carbon dioxide, ammonia, and nitrates. Which come from the bioload as well as the input water

With or without ro/di input water those things will be present to feed plant life like the algaes.

To reduce the plant life you do not want, I recommend you establish plant life you want. If you had established a say refugium full of macros your current algae problem with be much reduced or eliminated all together. And the system would be mature very quickly, require much less maintenance, and basically be self substaining.

JME

 

[SnowManSnow]

BOB.. why not just cut and paste your replies Keep ya from having to type it all again.

BTW.. BOB is right about the plant life consuming nutrients... keepin' bad guys down and so forth.

You can get a kick butt RO DI unit for a LOT less than stated previously. Look at field supply stores and so forth. .. no need to get these things from "aquarium" retailers. Also there is a guy that sells a 6 stage RO DI unit on EBAY for aourd $100 that I've seen. I did comparisons to all the others from the aquarium retailers and it was the same thing, just not the BIG name on it. Just make sure the filters, media, and so forth is of good quailty.

B.

btw.. the algae you described probably DOES grow on your rock and stuff, you just see it easier on the glass.

 

[Entacmaea]

If you can get a reputable unit for less than what I stated, please do! Once you add in the filters, resins, and membranes to the $100 unit mentioned, I imagine it is comparable in price. Also, brand names come with warranties and friendly service people, which I have found to be very useful in the past

 

[SnowManSnow]

Guess I just found a great deal hehe I'll keep them to myself. The one I found had all the filters, resins, tubing, even a tank to hold the water in. All of the things being comparable to bigger names. I mean how much could a block of carbon cost anyhow , or a resin and membrane, and some food grade tubing?!

I'll admit, there are some knockoffs that are horrible, but you just gotta keep ur eyes open and do your homework

 

[Entacmaea]

I would be VERY weary of a SIX stage RO/DI unit, with all the filters, resins and membrane(is it TFC?) included for only $100. Some things that sound too good to be true sometimes are...